Christian Horner could be set to receive a huge pay off between £50m and £60m from Red Bull after he was sacked on Wednesday. After 20 years at the helm, the 51-year-old was relieved of his roles of team principal and CEO with immediate effect, with Laurent Mekies confirmed as his replacement.

His dismissal followed reports of internal strife at Red Bull following their difficult start to the season. After learning of his dismissal, Horner was said to have made an emotional address to staff members at the team base in Milton Keynes. He was still thought to have another five-and-a-half years left to run on his contract, meaning he is now in line for a considerable compensation package.

According to the Telegraph, Red Bull Technology Ltd accounts state the remuneration for its highest-paid director, thought to be Horner, rose 11 per cent to £8.92million in 2023. The figure is almost certain to increased again after Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title in 2024.

Horner had reportedly committed his future to Red Bull until the end of the 2030 campaign. If his lawyers push for the remainder of his deal to be paid up in full, then he could reportedly receive a fee anywhere up to £60m for being sacked.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Horner is currently worth around £36.8m. Given his track record, he will almost certainly receive lucrative offers to return to F1, although he has yet to indicate whether he will now take a break from the sport.

During his tenure, Red Bull won eight drivers' and six constructors' titles. Hours after leaving Milton Keynes on Wednesday, Horner took to social media to post a heartfelt message to everyone he'd worked alongside over the past two decades.

"After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved," he said on Instagram. "Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved.

"Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It’s been a privilege being part of and leading this epic team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all."